Setka-led union branch sets its course

CONSTRUCTION UNION DIGS IN

The CFMMEU's Victorian divisional branch management committee has passed a series of resolutions, as Labor leader Anthony Albanese seeks to expel branch secretary John Setka from the ALP.

* The committee supports the leadership of John Setka.

* Calls on the national executive to make a public statement of support for Setka while condemning the "the cowardly manufactured leaks" from the controversial union meeting in which Setka allegedly criticised anti-violence campaigner Rosie Batty. He denies the allegation.

* Calls for an independent investigator to audit phone records of all individuals who attended the meeting.

* The investigator should also conduct a forensic IT and phone audit of all employees, branch officials and national officers of the union, with access to private documents, including relevant documents held by the firm Gordon Legal.

* If Setka is expelled from the ALP, all financial and in-kind support to the ALP cease immediately from the Victorian branch of the CFMMEU.

* The branch will no longer recognise traditional long-held membership coverage and demarcation lines with unions that have attacked the branch.

* The next major CFMMEU national meeting in Melbourne will include a one-hour session where members can discuss the issue.